New ads for Biden, RNC preps show 2024 campaign already underway in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- About one month from now, and then again next July, Fiserv Forum will be the center of American politics.
As Milwaukee prepares to host the beginning and end of the 2024 Republican presidential primary, a newly-announced ad purchase only further highlighted the role Wisconsin will play in deciding control of the White House next fall.
The United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters announced Wednesday it is endorsing the re-election of President Joe Biden, and the union pledged to spend nearly $1 million over the next eight weeks spreading that message.
A series of four advertising spots highlights labor-focused legislation Biden has signed in his first term, ranging from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill to the CHIPS Act, which focuses on American production of semiconductors.
"Quite honestly, this endorsement was little bit easier than the last couple years," the union's president, Mark McManus, said in an interview. "It's a clear endorsement of a president who's got two-and-a-half years under his belt."
The union will run the ads online and on satellite TV nationwide during the first four weeks, then focus on key battleground states for the next four weeks.
"That will absolutely include Wisconsin," McManus said. "The great city of Milwaukee, as well, real good memberships up in the state of Wisconsin."
McManus was confident Biden will do will campaigning on the economy, pointing to inflation that has cooled relative to last summer's spike.
Inflation rose by 9% last June compared to June 2021. Last month, overall inflation was 3%, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Between 2012 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation typically fluctuated between 1% and 3%.
"Inflation, no one likes it, but it's been down for 12 straight months," McManus said.
Republicans say they're happy to make this election about the cost of living. Elise Dickens, CEO of the 2024 RNC, noted the higher prices that stemmed from soaring inflation in 2022 haven't receded.
"Those are real numbers felt by real people across the country and here in Wisconsin," Dickens said. "So, Republicans are excited to run on the economy, and that'll be a major message that both, I imagine, the Republicans and Democrats talk about."
Dickens said preparations for the GOP's national convention were about to get more intense; she said the 2024 RNC committee has 15 employees now, but that will be closer to 25 by the end of the summer.
The 2024 convention, which the RNC estimates will draw 50,000 visitors to Milwaukee, is currently in the process of taking bids for general contractors, ticket management and transportation.
As for who will be nominated as the challenger to Biden next July, Dickens said she wasn't taking sides in a field that currently includes former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and others.
"At the end of the day, it's in the RNC rules that we're neutral, and we have to be neutral," she said. "It's an extremely important part of the process that we do not influence who the nominee is going to be."
Dickens said the 2024 RNC staff is also preparing for next month's Republican presidential debate, which is also happening at Fiserv Forum.
Trump has threatening to boycott the August 23 debate, which is being hosted by Fox News. RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel told Fox Wednesday morning it'd be "a mistake" for Trump to skip debates.
Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Brian Schimming said Wednesday he wouldn't be disappointed if Trump ditches the debate.
"He's got his own calculations to make, to think through," Schimming said. "What I do know is we'll have several candidates on that stage, and regardless of whether President Trump makes the decision to be there or not, it's going to be a state, national and international media event, and I'm happy it's going on in Milwaukee."
Dickens said the 2024 RNC committee would prepare for a scenario where the nomination is still contested when the convention opens July 15, but added those conversations haven't yet happened.
"We prepare for every contingency, whether it's about delegate discrepancies or if it's about security and transportation," she said. "We plan for everything."
Dickens estimated the debate will bring 7,000 guests and visiting media to Milwaukee.